News

South Australia's strawberries go under the hammer on I Choose SA Day

Wednesday 24 October 2018

To launch South Australia’s strawberry season, a live auction will be held to sell the first box of the state’s strawberries at the Adelaide Central Market on Saturday 27 October, I Choose SA Day, in a bid to drive support for our local growers.

The South Australian Produce Market has partnered with Brand South Australia, Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and the Adelaide Central Market to celebrate the start of the South Australian strawberry season and the importance of supporting local producers.

The money raised from the auction will be donated to Variety – the Children's Charity of South Australia to help kids in need.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone encouraged South Australian's to support growers by purchasing local strawberries.

"With local strawberries now coming into season the greatest support South Australians can give our strawberry industry is to buy local," he said."South Australians have a great reputation for backing our producers in times of need.

"I'm proud of the way industry and government have come together to ensure our producers continue to thrive."

The auction will be conducted by Anthony Toop of Toop & Toop Real Estate, at the Adelaide Central Market's Gouger Dining Area at midday and patrons are encouraged join in the festivities and place their bids.

CEO of Brand South Australia Karen Raffen said: "I Choose SA Day celebrates South Australian businesses and producers and what better way to do so than by supporting our local strawberry growers."

Adelaide Central Market Authority General Manager Jodie Kannane said: "With many local growers represented within our Market, we are very supportive of I Choose SA Day. It's a great tradition for our state and we're proud to be the setting for this exciting event."

The South Australian strawberry season is set to commence at the beginning of November with small volumes starting to appear at the South Australian Produce Market and on the shelves of independent retailers.

South Australian Produce Market CEO Angelo Demasi said the consumer support for the strawberry industry has been overwhelming and hopes that the South Australian season will receive the same support.

"In 2016–17 South Australia produced around 6,000 tonnes of strawberries with a farm gate value of around $42 million, so it's really important that we continue to support the industry," said Mr Demasi.

"Consumers can be assured that we are doing everything we can as an industry to provide them with fresh, local produce that has been picked and packed by SA families."

Upcoming Events

Regarded as a highlight on the country race meeting calendar, the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup attracts over 3000 visitors to the Penola Racecourse each year. This year, for the first time in the event’s history, they are joined by 36°South Beef who have come on board as presenting partner for the event.

General entry to Crush is free.

Purchase an official souvenir Spiegelau or Riedel wine glass for $10 and enjoy free entry at all non-ticketed events.

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